Part of James belongs to Louise. Simon would argue that James belongs to him, and Louise has had to share him. I have a feeling that when this bump arrives, Simon might move a little further down the love list.

So after climbing trips and their wedding and BBQs and our wedding, here we are in their backyard, awaiting the next member of the gang… I’m actually writing this after Bump’s birth day so I know what happened next. Read on after the photos to find out.

“Isaac Sunjaya was born at 17:02 on 18th May 2013. Weighing 3.49kg and measuring 51cm, Louise and I are extremely happy to announce the birth of our first son.” – James

Have you or someone you know been married 10 years this year? 20 years? 30, 40 or 50 years? I’m looking for 5 couples to be involved in a special project regarding wedding photos. In order to be involved, you must be

• situated within 150km of Melbourne
• married for 10 years this year, or 20/30/40/50 years
• willing to share your original wedding photos
• happy to be interviewed and photographed and have the results shared on the internet and in print (i.e. sign a model release)
• available during May for the interview/photos

In exchange for your time and memories, I’m offering a mini portrait session for your family. You, your husband or wife and something that is special to you – whether they are children big or small, human or pets, or just your home or garden. We’ll have a chat about the wedding photos and then take some new photos – all up about 2-3 hours of your time. You will receive copies of all photos on USB and a little anniversary gift from me, too. If you are or know the right couple, please send an email to kate@urbansafari.com.au and tell me a little about the couple and their wedding story. If you have an electronic copy of a wedding photos, please include it! I hope to arrange interviews for  late May, so please have emails to me no later than Wednesday 15 May. I look forward to hearing your stories!

I have to schedule my work often a year in advance, sometimes more if super-keen couples are really planning ahead. I also travel a lot, so visually being able to picture weeks when I’m home or away has its advantages. I use a Calendar app on my computer and phone, but having a giant planner on my wall still comes in handy.

I’ve just updated it for the new financial year and thought it might come in handy for others – so now you can download it too! Have it printed by a plan printer (I use Officeworks, A0 plan printing is $3.70 but you can print it smaller if you need), stick it up and fill it in. Use different coloured highlighters! Stickers! Washi tape! Or just a pencil, if you’re one of ‘those’ types…

Download Here

The only problem was the rain. I drove for an hour in a torrential downpour (the kind where double-time wipers don’t even cut it) and another hour and a half hour in a drizzle from Melbourne. The wind kidnapped a balcony umbrella and broke it in two. But bit by bit the sun came out, along with the kangaroos and kookaburras and blue fairy wrens and by the time the ceremony rolled around, things were looking peachy.

I can’t talk about this wedding without mentioning the speeches. Heartfelt and honest, both sets of very proud and happy parents had only wonderful things to say. But Kate’s maid of honour, Megan, took things to the next level. It deserves a whole blog post of it’s own, so I’ll finish with the largest post I’ve ever put together and share a little more very soon.

People are drawn to others who are similar to them. When I first met my husband’s family, I immediately likened them to my own crazy relatives and I felt at ease. The same thing happened with Anna & Ryan’s families. From involving the kids to the handmade touches Anna included, we were as good a match as any photographer can find in a couple they’re working with.

When the photos were ready, Anna and Ryan held a BBQ at their place and invited their family and friends over for dinner. I joined them and we sat down in their lounge room to watch the slideshow I’d put together. That’s where the best part of my job happens – people laugh, they wipe away tears and they hug each other. My work is done.

It’s not a frame-by-frame recording of the day, nor is it likely to be kept on a dusty shelf and barely ever looked at. I’ve taken pieces of audio here and there and matched them to images so now it’s a short and sweet piece of family history that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.

Anna & Ryan – A Wedding from Kate Paneros (Urban Safari) on Vimeo.